Oneida County backs casino at Vernon Downs

UTICA -- The specifics of expanding gambling in New York haven't been discussed yet and a final approval from Albany and public is still far off, but the Oneida County Board of Legislators is already fighting to secure a spot for Vernon Downs on the list of seven proposed casinos.

On March 14, the New York State Legislature took the first step in amending the state constitution to allow up to seven non-Indian casinos to open. The passage of the bill, or similar bills, in the state Senate and Assembly has happened before but has never reached a second vote in a required consecutive Legislature. The proposal would also have to be approved in a state-wide public referendum, likely to happen in 2013 if it passes again in the Legislature.

Right now, full casino gambling is only permitted in Indian-run establishments. Five exist in New York state. Nine racinos have been established as a profit subsidy for the horse racing industry. Slot-machine-like video lottery terminals are the only permitting games at racinos.

Table games, such as blackjack, roulette and craps, could be added if the racinos secure a spot as one of the seven proposed casinos.

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The language of the current bill does not provide any detail on which establishments will earn the designation of being a casino. There is no mechanism currently in place to decide if current racinos will be expanded or new gambling establishments will be formed or where they will be located.

Already though, several Oneida County legislators have penned letters to the governor, insisting that Vernon Downs be chosen as one of the seven non-Indian-run casinos expected to be approved next year.

"Allowing Vernon Downs to be one of the locations to expand into table gambling will help keep, and draw additional, growth, development and revenue for New York," said Oneida County Legislator Rose Ann Convertino, D-23.

Naming Vernon Downs as the most logical expansion because of its centrality in the state, Convertino said the racino has already "laid down the groundwork for a successful venue with a hotel and newly added and renovate convention facility."

Board of Legislators Minority Leader Frank Tallarino, D-7, said the expansion of gambling at Vernon Downs would create jobs and revenue and provide a competitive alternative for those who gamble but do not want to patronize Turning Stone Casino "because of the imbalance of the tax situation."

An approved expansion would also show "the area's gratitude to Jeff Gural, owner of Vernon Downs, who has demonstrated confidence in Oneida County through his investment of millions of dollars locally to resuscitate what had become a dismal enterprise," Tallarino added.

Tallarino also called for a local meeting to be held with key stakeholders in the proposal - Oneida County Tourism, county legislative committees, the county administration and other interested legislators - to allow all opinions on the expansion to be voiced.

A petition, already endorsed by 15 legislators, will be circulated at the next board meeting on April 11 before being delivered to the governor.

The petition points to several benefits an expansion could produce, including the redirection of gambling revenue to the local area instead of destinations such as Atlantic City and Canada, along with job creation and enhanced tourism.

Expanding casino operations beyond existing tribal casinos has been proposed several times but has not gained the supported needed to pass two consecutive legislatures.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has renewed the push to expand gambling as a resource for supporting the state's ailing economy. With the potential to create thousands of jobs, the proposal could also serve to foster tourism and keep gambling revenue in the state.

"By taking these important first steps to legalize casinos we are finally confronting the reality that while New York is already in the gaming business, we need a real plan to regulate and capitalize on the industry," Cuomo said. "This is a process that will ultimately but thousands of New Yorkers to work, drive our economy and help keep billions of dollars spent by New Yorkers on gaming in the state."